From Connemara to Couture: Sasha Donnellan’s Romantic Vision for Irish Fashion
Tell me a bit about yourself, your practice and your background.
I trained in Paris and am now based in London. I am passionate about fine art and history and love bringing these interests into luxury fashion through sartorial references and storytelling through textiles. I debuted my brand at Ireland Fashion Week in 2025 and am currently working on custom ready-to-wear and bridal orders while preparing my next collection.
Can you talk us through your practice and what an average day looks like?
Normally, I wake up in London, head to the gym, reply to emails and then work on whatever custom piece has been ordered before either staying in or meeting friends.
This routine will shift for the next two months however, as I am working as a freelance studio assistant at Paul Costelloe, assisting with pattern making and sampling. It has been an amazing experience to work with a team and brand I admire and to honour Paul’s legacy.
How did Connemara inspire your SS26 collection?
Through its landscapes, atmosphere and history. The balance of softness and strength and the quiet romance of the region informed the silhouettes, textures and colour palette throughout the collection. It also has made me the person I am today, as I spent so much of my youth there, and that will continue to inspire my collections to come.
Where do you go for inspiration in Galway?
Galway allows me to reconnect with myself, which brings me great inspiration as I design based on my emotions and the stories that I find moving.
I adore Kylemore Abbey, especially the church on its grounds, and I love going for drives around Leenaun. I also find inspiration in spending time with friends and strolling through Galway together, popping into shops to shelter from the rain or laughing out loud in pubs to the sound of traditional music.
Being with friends who know me so well in Galway brings a great sense of love into my life and gives me the strength to persevere in an industry that can at times feel overwhelming and unforgiving.
What do you miss most about the West?
The tranquillity and the space to think. In London, it is easy to fall into a rut and sometimes you have to actively remind yourself to breathe. I do not feel this in the same way in the west of Ireland at all.
What makes up for it in London?
There are so many incredible things to do, from Renaissance art exhibitions to jazz nightclubs and book signings. There truly is something for everyone and through that I have met amazing people, as well as come across great opportunities in my industry.
Where are your favourite spots further afield along the west coast?
As I grew up in Westport I know many wonderful spots nearby. I love walking the dogs on Bertra Beach and stopping for a matcha at This Must Be The Place on the way back.
I also love visiting Foxford Woollen Mills, walking the Ashford Castle grounds, and stocking up on smoked salmon from Achill.
Where is next on your to visit list on the west coast?
Pearse’s Cottage in Connemara as I am deeply inspired by Irish history and Paul Durcan’s poem The Girl with the Keys to Pearse’s Cottage. As a symbol, it has deeply influenced my work, including a university tailoring project where I embroidered quotes from the poem onto a suit jacket.
This piece originally appeared in Galway Now's Spring 2026 issue.
Delivered straight to your inbox every month.
